United States: President Donald Trump is en route to Alaska for a meeting that could shape the future of the war in Ukraine and test his claim that he can bring it to a close. This will be his first face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin since returning to the White House, and the stakes could not be higher.
The White House says the talks will begin at 11:00 a.m. local time (3:00 p.m. Eastern) at a Cold War-era air base in Alaska. It is also the first time US and Russian leaders have met in person since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three and a half years ago. Many experts are calling it the most important US–Russia summit in decades. The outcome could affect not only Ukraine’s future but also America’s position within NATO and its relationship with European allies, who have warned Trump not to give away too much to Moscow.
On his official social media account, Trump summed up the moment in two words: “HIGH STAKES!!!”
Trump: ‘We Won’t Do Business Until the War Ends’
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump confirmed that Putin is bringing “a lot of business people” from Russia to the meeting. While Trump welcomed the idea of economic cooperation, he made it clear there would be no deals until the conflict ended.
“The war’s got to stop and the killing’s got to stop,” Trump said firmly.
He added that the US is “the hottest country in the world” economically and that Putin “wants a piece of that” because Russia’s economy is struggling. Trump called Putin “a smart guy” and claimed there is “good respect” between them.
When asked about Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine, Trump suggested that Putin might believe continued fighting gives him leverage in negotiations—but in Trump’s view, “it actually hurts him.”
‘Economically Severe’ Consequences for Russia
Trump also repeated his warning that Putin could face “very severe consequences” if he refuses to end the war.
“Economically severe, yes. It will be very severe,” Trump told reporters.
He stressed that his efforts are not for personal gain.
“I’m not doing this for my health. I don’t need it. I’d like to focus on our country. But I’m doing this to save a lot of lives.”
With that, he wrapped up the conversation and thanked the press.
Zelensky: ‘We Are Counting on America’
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky released a statement just minutes before the summit, expressing hope and urgency. Posting on X, he echoed Trump’s description of the meeting as “high stakes” and said it must “open up a real path toward a just peace.” He also pushed for a future three-way meeting between Ukraine, the US, and Russia to ensure Ukraine’s voice is heard directly.
Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian forces are sending reinforcements to push back Russian advances in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia—regions expected to dominate the talks. He closed his message with a call for Russia to take the “necessary steps” to end the war.
This Alaska summit is more than just another diplomatic meeting. For Trump, it is an opportunity to prove he can deliver on his promise to end the war. For Putin, it is an opportunity to reassert Russia’s influence on the world stage. And for Ukraine, it is a moment of uncertainty—balancing hope for peace with fears of being left out of the deal.
